Ice hockey is one of the fastest and most exciting sports in the world, and the National Hockey League (NHL) is the premier professional league in the sport. Whether you’re a new fan or someone looking to deepen your knowledge, understanding how an NHL game is structured is crucial. One of the most common questions asked by new fans is: how many periods are there in a hockey game?
Structure of an NHL Hockey Game
An NHL game consists of three periods, each lasting 20 minutes of regulation play. Unlike some other sports that use quarters or halves, the NHL divides its games into three equal parts. The structure of the game is designed to allow for intense action with breaks in between for players to rest and strategize.
Breakdown of the Three Periods
- First Period: The game begins with a faceoff at center ice, and both teams compete to score goals and gain an early advantage.
- Second Period: After the first intermission, play resumes with another 20-minute period. The teams switch which side of the ice they defend to ensure fairness.
- Third Period: The final regulation period determines the outcome, unless the game is tied and requires overtime or a shootout.
What Happens Between Periods?
Between each period, there is an intermission that typically lasts 17 minutes. During this break, players return to their locker rooms to discuss strategy, rest, and receive any necessary medical attention. Meanwhile, the ice rink is resurfaced using a Zamboni to ensure a smooth playing surface for the next period.
What Happens If the Game Is Tied?
If the score is tied at the end of the third period, NHL games follow a structured format to determine a winner:
Regular Season Overtime Rules
- An additional five-minute sudden-death overtime period is played with three skaters per team instead of the usual five.
- If a team scores during overtime, the game ends immediately.
- If no one scores, the game proceeds to a shootout.
Playoff Overtime Rules
- In the NHL playoffs, the overtime format is different from the regular season.
- Instead of a five-minute period, teams play a full 20-minute sudden-death overtime period.
- Overtime continues in full periods until a goal is scored, meaning playoff games can extend indefinitely.
Why Does the NHL Use Three Periods Instead of Four Quarters?
The decision to structure hockey games into three periods dates back to the early 20th century. In the sport’s early days, games were often divided into two halves, but this format led to rough ice conditions. Since the rink did not receive maintenance between halves, the quality of play suffered as players struggled with a deteriorating ice surface.
By switching to three periods with two intermissions, the NHL introduced a system that allows the ice to be resurfaced twice per game, keeping the playing conditions smooth and fast. This change greatly improved the overall quality of the sport.
Famous Games That Went to Multiple Overtime Periods
Some of the most memorable moments in NHL history have taken place in long overtime battles. Here are a few famous examples:
- 1996 – Detroit Red Wings vs. Mighty Ducks of Anaheim: The game lasted six overtime periods before the Red Wings finally secured the win.
- 1936 – Detroit Red Wings vs. Montreal Maroons: This legendary game lasted 116 minutes and 30 seconds of overtime, making it the longest game in NHL history.
- 2020 – Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Columbus Blue Jackets: This game in the Stanley Cup Playoffs lasted five overtime periods, making it one of the longest in league history.
Conclusion
Now that you know the structure of an NHL hockey game, you can better appreciate the pacing and excitement of each period. With three 20-minute periods, intermissions for rest, and special overtime rules for tied games, the NHL has created a thrilling format that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re watching a regular-season game or an intense playoff showdown, understanding the timing and structure of the game adds to the enjoyment of this fast-paced sport.